The Body Diaries: Were You A "Fat" Teenager? What Do You Think When You See An Overweight Child Today?

Yes, I still hate that F word. But it seemed like the appropriate word choice here since it brings up the shame and sadness that word induced in me as a child. Sure I was loved, and had all the happy experiences a kid could want--great parents, friends, travels, etc.--but this is the word I believed defined me more than any other.

So here's why I mention it: A little girl sat next to me on the plane ride back from Poland last week. She was probably 10 or 11 and, if I had to guess, about 150 pounds.

Of course, the lives of all overweight children are not the same, but I looked at her and felt sorry for her. And when the stewardess came around with the beverage cart and asked her what she wanted to drink, I practically wanted to hurl my body into the aisle to stop her from handing the girl the can of Coke she asked for--to wash down her Pringles.

The Amazing Thing Bananas Can Do for Your Health (That You've Never Heard of)

Apples are great, but you might want to change your mantra to "a banana a day." Did you know that they can help with this major health issue...

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Eat a banana, get happy, according to Dr. Caroline Longmore, author of The Serotonin Secret. She says depression could be blamed on lack of serotonin, the "happy hormone," and that you can boost your body's serotonin levels by eating foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan like cottage cheese, turkey--and bananas! She recommends eating at least four bananas a week.

Funny, I frequently grab a banana when I'm feeling a little blah (like yesterday). And, I think they really do lift my spirits.

The 10 Riskiest Foods You Can Eat

Doesn't it seem like we're hearing about a new scary food recall every day? If you have any doubts about the safety of your food (hello, cookie dough!), this post might not be very encouraging. Still, knowledge is power, right? Read on for what some experts say is a list of 10 foods regulated by the FDA that have the highest chances of making you sick ...

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (the CSPI), compiled a list of foods that--statistically--are linked to more cases of illness and death than any other foods. Important note: Don't stop eating these foods, just take special caution when preparing them. See my notes below:

Stars Who Say They Don't Diet or Worry About Their Bodies: Do You Believe Them?

This week, two stars have announced publicly that they don't diet or really worry about their bodies, thank you very much. "Diet? Not me!" That was the gist of what Gwyneth Paltrow told Oprah recently (though she did confess to being an exercise nut!). And then Brooke Shields admitted to People that she doesn't exercise to look good--in fact, she says she's never really focused on her body at all. What do you think: "yeah, honest admissions!" or "give me a break."

I think, deep down, we all want to believe that celebs are just like us. And, well, they are--just with bigger bank accounts. So, it feels a little puzzling when a celeb takes the I-walk-on-water-and-don't-struggle-with-the-same-things-regular-women-do approach. Not that Gwyneth and Brooke are doing that (for the record, I think they're both fabulous), but I wonder if their statements hint at this?

Sleep Challenge 2010: How Sleep Is Like Steroids...Without the 'Roid Rage

Good afternoon. I hope you're feeling as well rested as I am--it's now day 8 of the Sleep Challenge I'm doing along with Glamour's Cindi Leive. So how is my "sleep-hab"--that's sleep rehab!--going?

In a word: progress! As of my last sleep challenge post at four days in, I'd yet to reach my goal of eight hours of sleep a night. Well, I am pleased to announce that for the last two nights I've gotten the full eight. That might not sound like a big deal, but it's a lot harder than it sounds (if you don't believe me--jump in and take the challenge with us).

Not only that, I woke up without an alarm--which was, in itself, a bit alarming. When I woke up, I looked around anxiously to see what was wrong, wondering what had woken me up, since there was no alarm buzzing. It actually took me a minute or two to realize that the reason why I was wide-awake was because...I didn't need to sleep anymore.  Imagine that.

Sex Question: Can You Transmit an STD by Sharing a Toothbrush?

Dear Dr. Kate,

Can you transmit an STD by kissing on the cheek, drinking from the same glass or sharing a toothbrush?

The only good news about STDs is that the bacteria and viruses can't live on inanimate objects. They're microscopic zombies-they need human skin to survive. STDs are transmitted most often through mucus membranes-those that line the vagina, the foreskin, the inside of the head of the penis, the mouth and the anus. Some STDs like HPV and herpes can be transmitted through genital skin-to-skin contact. It is possible to transmit a disease if both people have open cuts that touch, but swapping saliva on a toothbrush, glass or cheek won't increase your risk of transmission or infection. The only STD that could be passed from the surface of an object or by simple touching (without genital contact) is molluscum contagiousum, which can appear all over your body and is highly contagious.

Poll: Are You More Comfortable With a Male or Female Massage Therapist?

Interesting news, out this week: Save your money when it comes to post-exercise massage. According to a new study, it doesn't help reduce the lactic acid in your muscles, nor does it increase blood flow. Oh bummer (I liked the excuse to get a massage). Speaking of which, do you prefer guy or gal massage therapists?

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Whenever I go for a massage (which, believe me, is not often enough!), my husband is like "you're appointment is with a female therapist, right?" I always think it's cute, if not a little silly, that he's worried about this. I tend to just see female therapists--by default. I guess I do feel a tad more comfortable being partially clothed in front of a stranger who is female rather than male. Other friends of mine disagree. My friend J. says that she only goes to male therapists because they have stronger hands and do a better job. What do you think?

Michelle Obama's Favorite Veggie Recipe--Get it Here!

That's Michelle Obama serving lunch at a homeless shelter last week. (Can you make out all the healthy items on the menu?) We already know the Obamas are good eaters, and according to The New York Times, the first lady is encouraging all Americans to eat more fresh, local and unprocessed food. Read on for a delicious White House recipe...

Michelle Obama has been singing the praises of this creamy-tasting spinach side dish (without the cream!) prepared by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford. Instead of loading it down with heavy cream, spinach, olive oil and shallots are whipped into a light dish. Try it tonight and let me know how it goes!

Mental Health Minute: What Would Make You Really Happy--Right Now?

Feeling the mid-week blues? Confession: I am. I have so many deadlines staring me in the face and some impending health issues to face soon and well, I kind of don't want to face any of it. I want to think of happier things. So, join me! Turn away from your screen, tune out the screaming kid, forget the BF issues. What would make you really, really happy--right this minute?

And because we don't already have enough to stress about (the economy being today's biggie), let's turn our thoughts to happier things. An end to poverty, AIDS and cancer would be bliss, but let's allow ourselves to be a little selfish for a sec. Here's what's on my list:

Mental Health Minute: How Do You Deal With Mean People?

Is there a "mean person" in your life right now? Whether it's your boss, an ex-friend, or some other person that's giving you grief, chances are good that there's someone nasty in your life right now. So how do you deal? Let's hear from a few experts, then let's hear from you!

Have a fire-breathing boss? One expert says mean bosses are a sign of the times. "I've been hearing lots of hair-raising stories lately about bosses who may have had a tendency to be mean but are now acting like full-blown Darth Vaders," writes MSNBC contributor Eve Tahmincioglu. "Many workplace experts believe tough economic times and the constant drumbeat to do more with fewer people may be driving managers over to the dark side."

Types of Pain - Pain Theory

Pain can be very debilitating for the person suffering from some form of pain, whether it be acute or chronic in nature. There can be other manifestations from pain. Some of the symptoms can include nausea, headache, and perspiration. The emotional effects of pain can include anger, depression, irritability, and sometimes suicidal feelings. Your lifestyle oftentimes has to change because of pain. This could include working, recreational activities that you once enjoyed, and giving up on relationships. If you recognize any of these symptoms, please see your physician about using Tramadol.

If you have tried analgesics like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen to relieve your pain symptom with little or no effect, it is time to visit your doctor. The aspirin and ibuprofen have anti-inflammatory properties, so those can be used in conjunction with Tramadol.

Mental Health: Let's Have a Watercooler Chat--What's Bothering You Right Now?

Well, it's Friday. At least we have that, right? It's been one long and stressful week for me. How about you? What's bothering you today? Grab your glass and meet me at the watercooler...

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Do you ever have weeks when things just feel "off"? I'm having one of those. Here are a few things that are weighing on my mind:

*The big beautiful new house. To buy or not to buy--this is the question.

*Ice cream. Why did I eat that bowl last night?

*My house--it's a total disaster zone. And Joanna from Smitten is coming over for a visit from New York this weekend (so excited!)! I know she'll totally forgive me for my messy house, though.

Medical Magnetism

Sixteen years ago, Steve Zatuchni was a computer sales manager, making a six-figure income. Then all hell broke loose in his brain.

He became severely depressed, to the point that he could no longer work. He slept up to 18 hours a day, and when he was awake, felt so miserable he wished he were asleep. He tried dozens of medicines, in myriad combinations. Nothing worked. Distraught, he tried to kill himself several times.

Then, in 2004, he enrolled in a study of an experimental therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS -- a noninvasive treatment that sends magnetic pulses into the brain.

Magnetic Help for Incontinence

An innovative treatment involving powerful pulsing magnetic fields may offer hope to millions of ThirdAge women who suffer from loss of bladder control. A new study found 61 percent of women treated had a 50 percent better reduction in incontinence episodes.

The research was presented at the International Bladder Symposium in Washington, D.C. Test subjects were treated with Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation therapy, a painless, non-invasive 20-minute treatment twice a week for a number of weeks.

The study says a third of the women reported absolutely no leakage following the therapy, known as NeoControl by brand. Dr. Peter Sand of Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in Illinois says such a long-term response without continued treatment is not seen after other therapies.